Jay, VT, Nov. 16--There's big snow in Vermont. Snow began falling from a northwestern cold front in northern Vermont on Sunday night and has continued on-and-off through today. The circular storm has dumped up to three feet of snow and set the stage for ideal snowmaking conditions.

Over two feet of snow fell on Jay Peak as of noon today and another 12-to 18-inches may accumulate within the next 24 hours. Snowcats replaced snowplows to clear away the snow-filled streets. Jay Peak bumped up opening day a week to this Sat., Nov. 20.

"We've got drifts between eight and 10 feet high," said Chris Veillon, Jay Peak communications director. "We even had to shut down our snowmaking system because of the snowstorm."

Sugarbush Resort, VT reports that close to two feet of new snow now covers the ground with more on the way. Just two days ago the area only had three trails open and now skiers can choose from 20.

"We would like to open more but we don't have enough staff on-duty today," said David Dylan, vice president of marketing and sales. Lincoln Peak now offers top-to-bottom skiing, and Mount Ellen should open Friday.

Stowe Mountain Resort, VT reports close to three feet of new snow on the slopes and expects 4-to ten-inches more over the night. This should make their first day of the season, Thurs. Nov. 18, a powder day.

One and a half feet of snow fell on Mad River Glen, VT. "It isn't letting up, and in fact it's a bit scary," said Eric Freedman, the area's marketing director. Mad River also plans to open on Nov. 18, but if the snow continues the lifts could start as soon as tomorrow.

The storm has yet to bring more than a dusting into neighboring Pennsylvania, New York, and New Hampshire, but that shouldn't hold back some resorts. Camelback, Big Boulder, and Jack Frost Mountain in Pennsylvania started up the snowguns last night. With one inch of new snow on the ground Loon Mountain, NH plans to open on Nov. 19.

"The weather is great for snowmaking," said Dave Anderson, Loon Mountain marketing director. "This is going to be the first time in recent memory that Loon will open with top-to-bottom skiing and several trails should be open by Thanksgiving."